Joshua 19 11

Joshua 19:11 kjv

And their border went up toward the sea, and Maralah, and reached to Dabbasheth, and reached to the river that is before Jokneam;

Joshua 19:11 nkjv

Their border went toward the west and to Maralah, went to Dabbasheth, and extended along the brook that is east of Jokneam.

Joshua 19:11 niv

Going west it ran to Maralah, touched Dabbesheth, and extended to the ravine near Jokneam.

Joshua 19:11 esv

Then their boundary goes up westward and on to Mareal and touches Dabbesheth, then the brook that is east of Jokneam.

Joshua 19:11 nlt

From there it went west, going past Maralah, touching Dabbesheth, and proceeding to the brook east of Jokneam.

Joshua 19 verses

Joshua 19 11 Meaning

Joshua 19:11 details a specific segment of the tribal boundary allocated to Zebulun. It precisely traces the western line of Zebulun's inheritance, indicating that its border began from an unnamed point, ascended towards Maralah, then extended to Dabbesheth, and finally intersected with a brook located directly in front of the strategic city of Jokneam. This verse, like others describing tribal borders, signifies the precise and divinely orchestrated distribution of the Promised Land to the tribes of Israel as part of God's covenantal faithfulness.

Joshua 19 11 Context

Joshua chapter 19 details the final allocation of tribal inheritances in the Promised Land, specifically for the remaining seven tribes after Judah, Ephraim, and Manasseh received theirs. The process, led by Joshua and Eleazar the priest, with assistance from ten tribal leaders (Num 34:16-29), ensures that each tribe receives its allotted portion by lot, demonstrating divine direction in the land distribution (Jos 14:2). Verses 10-16 specifically describe the territory given to Zebulun. The intricate and meticulous description of boundaries in verses like 19:11 serves as a legal document for future generations, securing the land promised by God. Historically, these defined boundaries established the identity, security, and stewardship responsibilities for each tribe in their new homeland. The allocation for Zebulun is particularly noteworthy as its geographical position aligns with ancient prophecies concerning its involvement in maritime trade and access to the sea (Gen 49:13, Deut 33:18-19).

Joshua 19 11 Word analysis

• and their border (Hebrew: וגבולָם - vəḡəḇūlām):
  • וגבולָם (vəḡəḇūlām): The conjunction "and" (və) connects this verse to the preceding general statement about Zebulun's lot (Jos 19:10). "Border" (gəḇūl) refers to a precise boundary line, demarcating the edge of a territory. It implies a divinely appointed and legally recognized limit, not merely an arbitrary separation. This underscores the order and security God provided through these allotments, in contrast to the contested or ill-defined lands of other nations.
• went up (Hebrew: עָלָה - ‘ālāh):
  • עָלָה (‘ālāh): Meaning "to go up," "ascend," or "climb." In this context, it describes the direction of the border line. It could denote an upward topographical incline, or simply a northward or westward movement on a map, conceptualized as "ascending" from a starting point, or the boundary stretching. It indicates a clear progression in defining the land's edge.
• toward the west (Hebrew: יָמָּה - yāmâ):
  • יָמָּה (yāmâ): Literally "sea-ward" or "to the sea." In ancient Israel, "the sea" (הַיָּם - ha-yam) almost invariably referred to the Mediterranean Sea, which lay to their west. Thus, "westward" is the implied direction. This is significant for Zebulun's blessing from Jacob and Moses, pointing to its future connection with maritime activities and trade.
• to Maralah (Hebrew: מַרְעֲלָה - mar‘ălāh):
  • מַרְעֲלָה (mar‘ălāh): A specific geographical landmark serving as a turning or passing point for the border. While its exact location is debated among scholars, it signifies a known, identifiable place at the time of the land distribution, serving as a concrete reference for the tribal line.
• and reached (Hebrew: וּפָגַע - ūpāḡa‘):
  • וּפָגַע (ūpāḡa‘): Literally "and met," "and struck upon," or "and encountered." It signifies that the boundary line did not just approximate but made precise contact with the subsequent point. The repetition of this verb (here and before "the brook") emphasizes the exactitude and fixed nature of these God-ordained lines, removing ambiguity.
• Dabbesheth (Hebrew: דַּבָּשֶׁת - dabbāšeṯ):
  • דַּבָּשֶׁת (dabbāšeṯ): Another specific geographical marker. The name might mean "camel's hump," possibly referring to a distinctive hill or mound in the landscape, providing an easily recognizable feature for the boundary. Like Maralah, it points to the detailed cartography God used.
• and reached (Hebrew: וּפָגַע - ūpāḡa‘):
  • See above analysis. Its reiteration underscores precision and definitiveness in boundary marking.
• the brook (Hebrew: הַנַּחַל - hannaḥal):
  • הַנַּחַל (hannaḥal): Refers to a wadi or a perennial stream/torrent. Brooks and rivers often served as natural, discernible boundaries in ancient land divisions. It indicates a natural, persistent feature marking this part of the border.
• that is before Jokneam (Hebrew: אֲשֶׁר עַל פְּנֵי יָקְנְעָם - ʾăšer ‘al pənê yoqnə‘ām):
  • אֲשֶׁר (ʾăšer): "which," "that," a relative pronoun.
  • עַל פְּנֵי (‘al pənê): Literally "upon the face of," meaning directly in front of, facing, or alongside. This phrasing places the brook in immediate proximity to Jokneam.
  • יָקְנְעָם (yoqnə‘ām): A prominent, strategically important Canaanite royal city, often associated with modern Tel Yokneam. Its inclusion as a border reference point (even if the brook itself is the precise marker) signifies that Zebulun's territory extended to or encompassed an area close to a significant regional hub, which later became a Solomonic district capital (1 Kgs 4:12).
    
• Words-Group Analysis:
  • "and their border went up toward the west to Maralah and reached Dabbesheth": This phrase meticulously charts the initial direction and major checkpoints of Zebulun's western boundary. The use of "went up" and "reached" demonstrates a precise surveying method, even if conceptual, outlining an undeniable progression of the border from one named point to another. It highlights the divine hand in setting distinct geographical markers.
  • "and reached the brook that is before Jokneam": This completes the specified section of the border, anchoring it to a natural feature (the brook) immediately adjacent to a well-known, strategic city (Jokneam). This provides a firm and universally recognizable terminal point for this portion of the boundary. The emphasis on reaching (פגע - paga') again reinforces the certainty and non-negotiability of the border.

Joshua 19 11 Bonus section

The careful cataloging of boundary markers in Joshua, including minor sites like Maralah and Dabbesheth alongside major ones like Jokneam, indicates the immense importance of land allocation to ancient Israel. This was not a general sweep, but a divine legal record, ensuring the precise transfer of covenant promise into tangible possession. While archaeological identification for Maralah and Dabbesheth remains debated, the presence of the powerful Tel Yokneam (identified with Jokneam) confirms the strategic geographical importance of this region. Tel Yokneam commanded a key pass (the Yokneam pass or Megiddo pass) through the Carmel Ridge, connecting the coastal plain to the Jezreel Valley and major trade routes. This position would make Zebulun's territory critical for overland commerce as well as any implied sea access, aligning well with the blessings on Zebulun's future economic role (Deut 33:18-19). The precision, even for features now obscure, highlights the truth that God’s promises are detailed and reliable, forming the very foundation of Israel's physical and spiritual identity.

Joshua 19 11 Commentary

Joshua 19:11 is not merely a dry geographical listing but a powerful declaration of divine fulfillment and order. It encapsulates God's faithfulness in delivering the land promised to Abraham and his descendants, down to the intricate details of each tribe's inheritance. The precise enumeration of landmarks and direction for Zebulun's border signifies a meticulously planned and executed divine will, ensuring each tribe's unique portion. This specific delineation reflects both the legal certainty of the inheritance and God's desire for an ordered society where boundaries promote peace and prevent dispute. The westward movement and proximity to significant routes and potentially the sea (implied by "westward") resonate with Zebulun's prophetic blessings regarding maritime connection and trade (Gen 49:13, Deut 33:18-19). This land, while meticulously described, served as the physical ground for Israel's covenant relationship with God and the foundation for their national identity, signifying both privilege and responsibility for stewardship.